Thomas Chippendale facts for kids
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Thomas Chippendale (born 1718, died 1779) was a famous cabinet-maker in London. He designed furniture in popular styles like English Rococo and Neoclassical. In 1754, he published a book of his designs called The Gentleman and Cabinet Maker's Director. This book was very important. It was the first major collection of furniture designs published in England. It also helped create a big market for furniture.
Chippendale's designs became very popular. They were so influential in Britain, Europe, and America that "Chippendale" became a common name for furniture similar to his designs. His furniture designs are still copied around the world today. Thomas Chippendale was buried on November 16, 1779. His furniture is highly valued. For example, a special cabinet sold for over £2.7 million in 2008.
Contents
The Life of Thomas Chippendale
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Thomas Chippendale was born in June 1718 in Otley, England. He was the only child of John Chippendale, a joiner, and Mary Drake. He went to Prince Henry's Grammar School, Otley. His family had worked with wood for a long time. So, he probably learned his basic skills from his father. He might also have trained with Richard Wood in York before moving to London.
In 1748, Thomas Chippendale married Catherine Redshaw. They had nine children together. In 1749, he rented a small house in London. By 1754, he moved his business to 60–62 St Martin's Lane. This is where his family business stayed for almost 60 years. In 1754, he also started working with James Rannie, a rich Scottish merchant. Rannie invested money in the business.
Chippendale's wife, Catherine, died in 1772. After Rannie passed away, Thomas Haig became Chippendale's new partner. Thomas Chippendale (Junior), his son, took over the business in 1776. This allowed his father to retire. Thomas Chippendale married Elizabeth Davis in 1777 and had three more children. He died of tuberculosis in 1779. He was buried in St Martin-in-the-Fields.
Today, there is a statue and a plaque dedicated to Thomas Chippendale in his hometown of Otley. You can also see a full-size statue of him on the outside of the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.
Chippendale's Famous Furniture Designs
After working as a cabinet maker in London, Thomas Chippendale made history in 1754. He became the first cabinet-maker to publish a book of his designs. This book was called The Gentleman and Cabinet Maker's Director. It was the first complete design catalogue of its kind. Customers could look through the book, choose a design, and then order the furniture.
Three versions of the Director were published. The first was in 1754, a similar one in 1755, and a bigger, updated one in 1762. The later designs started to show the influence of Neoclassicism. Chippendale had many competitors, like Ince and Mayhew. From the 1760s, he was greatly influenced by the Neoclassical style of architect Robert Adam.
Important Furniture Projects
Chippendale was more than just a cabinet maker. He was also an interior designer. He gave advice on things like curtains and even what color a room should be painted. His company could design and furnish entire rooms or even whole houses. Chippendale often received large orders from wealthy clients. We know of 26 of these big projects. You can still see furniture made by Chippendale in these places:
- Nostell Priory, Yorkshire (1766–85)
- Blair Castle, Perthshire (1758)
- Wilton House (around 1759–1773)
- For the actor David Garrick at his homes in London and Hampton
- Normanton Hall, Rutland, and other houses (1768–78)
- Harewood House, Yorkshire (1767–78)
- Newby Hall, Yorkshire (around 1772–76)
- Temple Newsam, Yorkshire (1774)
- Paxton House, Berwickshire, Scotland (1774–91)
- Burton Constable Hall, Yorkshire (1768–79)
- Petworth House, Sussex, and other houses (1777–79)
- Dumfries House, Ayrshire, Scotland
Chippendale also worked with famous architects. He helped furnish interiors designed by Robert Adam. He also worked with Sir William Chambers at Brocket Hall and Melbourne House (around 1772–75).
Gallery of Chippendale furniture
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Diana and Minerva Commode, 1773, made of mahogany and exotic woods, at Harewood House
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Dressing Commode with Three Graces, late 1700s, with beautiful wood patterns, at Harewood House
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State Bed, 1773, made of carved and gold-colored wood and silk, at Harewood House
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Mirror (one of a pair), around 1778, made of gold-colored wood, at Harewood House
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Secretaire, 1770s, at Harewood House
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Armchair, 1773, made of gold-colored wood, at Harewood House
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Clothes press, 1700s, at Harewood House
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Chair (one of a set) with the Lascelles family crest, 1700s, at Harewood House
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Commode, 1700s, at Harewood House
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Pedestal and urn (one of a pair), mid 1700s, used to warm plates, at Harewood House
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Pier table, with a cellaret by Thomas Chippendale, around 1771, made of rosewood and ormolu, at Harewood House
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Pier table (one of a pair), around 1779, made of gold-colored wood with marble top, at Harewood House
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Mirror (one of a pair), 1773, made of gold-colored wood, at Harewood House
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Arm chair (one of a set), around 1771, made of wood and yellow leather, at Harewood House
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Cabinet, 1700s, made of mahogany, at Harewood House
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Japanned cabinet (one of a pair), at Harewood House
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David Garrick's bed, around 1775, now at the V&A Museum
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A Chinese Chippendale desk
Chippendale's Influence and Styles
Chippendale's Director book was used by many other cabinet makers. Because of this, furniture that looked like "Chippendale" designs was made in places like Dublin, Philadelphia, Lisbon, Copenhagen, and Hamburg. Even famous rulers like Catherine the Great and Louis XVI had copies of his book.
The Director shows four main styles:
- English style with deep carvings.
- Fancy French Rococo style, similar to Louis XV furniture.
- Chinese style with criss-cross patterns and shiny lacquer.
- Gothic style with pointed arches and detailed legs.
Chippendale's favorite wood was mahogany. For chairs and sofas, he always used solid wood, not thin layers of wood called veneers.
Thomas Chippendale the Younger
Thomas Chippendale's son, Thomas Chippendale, the younger (1749–1822), continued the family business. He designed furniture in the later Neoclassical and Regency styles. Even after the business faced problems in 1804, the younger Chippendale kept making furniture for important clients until 1820.
Chippendale in Pop Culture
The famous cartoon characters Chip 'n' Dale were created by The Walt Disney Company in 1943. Their names are a funny play on "Chippendale." Thomas Chippendale is even mentioned briefly in the 2022 movie Chip 'n Dale: Rescue Rangers.
See also
- Chinese Chippendale (architecture) for building details inspired by Chippendale
- Chippendale Society
- Thomas Elfe
- List of furniture designers
